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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
by 1
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "by 1" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts involving increments, measurements, or adjustments, indicating a change or addition of one unit. Example: "The temperature increased by 1 degree Celsius."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(6)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
36 human-written examples
We lost by 1 point.
News & Media
By 1 a.m., tensions had subsided.
News & Media
Sadly, almost everyone left by 1 a.m.
News & Media
Chelsea leads Manchester United by 1 point.
News & Media
Bridge 24 had apparently won by 1.
News & Media
by 1 deg.
Academia
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
24 human-written examples
Cut into 2-by-1-inch bars.
News & Media
He leads Alejandro Valverde by 1 35.
News & Media
I'm rarely asleep by 1 30.
News & Media
By 1 04, all six were dead.
News & Media
By 1 30, the venue is packed.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "by 1" to clearly indicate a single unit of change, especially when precision is needed in numerical or temporal contexts. For instance, "The price increased by 1 dollar".
Common error
Avoid using "by 1" when a more descriptive term is appropriate. For example, instead of "The team improved by 1", consider "The team showed slight improvement" if the exact value isn't crucial.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "by 1" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the extent or degree of a change. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes a precise, singular increment or decrement in numerical or temporal contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
54%
Wiki
18%
Science
16%
Less common in
Academia
2%
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "by 1" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a singular unit of change, whether an increase or a decrease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science and Wiki sources, "by 1" serves the function of providing precise quantitative information. When writing, it's best to use "by 1" when accuracy is needed but avoid it when a more general term would suffice. Related phrases include "increased by one" or specifying a time like "at one o'clock". Common errors include using "by 1" in contexts where more descriptive language would be appropriate.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
increased by one
Specifies an increment of a single unit.
decreased by one
Specifies a reduction of a single unit.
reduced by one
Similar to 'decreased by one', emphasizing the act of reduction.
by a single point
Highlights a minimal difference in score or quantity.
by a margin of one
Emphasizes the small difference or lead.
one unit higher
Indicates a slight increase in a measurable quantity.
at one o'clock
Refers specifically to the time of 1:00.
before one o'clock
Indicates a time prior to 1:00.
before 1 a.m.
Specifies a time before 1:00 a.m.
one step ahead
Implies a small advantage or progress.
FAQs
How can I use "by 1" in a sentence?
What are some alternatives to saying "by 1"?
Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "increased by one", "decreased by one", or specify the exact value such as "at one o'clock" if referring to time.
Is it always necessary to use "by 1" when indicating a single unit change?
No, it is not always necessary. In some cases, using terms like "slightly" or "a little" may be more appropriate if the exact numerical change is not critical. However, "by 1" is useful for precise descriptions.
What's the difference between saying "increased by 1" and "increased by a single unit"?
While both phrases are similar, "increased "by 1"" is more concise and commonly used in technical or quantitative contexts, whereas "increased by a single unit" might be used for emphasis or in less formal settings.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested